The amount of snow varied in Oakland County from six to more than 15 inches, but when the last flake fell late on New Year’s Day, there was plenty of white stuff to go around.
David Koehler, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in White Lake Township, said a tightly packed low pressure center moved across the area early New Year’s Day prompting a mix of rapid snowfall, high winds and even a roll of thunder.
‘It was a quick-hitting storm,? said Koehler. ‘Some areas of Oakland County were getting 2 to 4 inches of snow an hour, and even thunder was reported.?
Koehler estimated that northern Oakland County received about 10 inches of snow. The Clarkston area received the most with about 15 inches of snow, while 9 inches fell in the Holly, Groveland Township region.
Brandon Fire Chief Bob McArthur said response crews had just a few calls during the storm.
‘By late afternoon we were able to get around the community pretty well’a lot of people stayed home rather than go out driving during the storm. Also, there was so much snow if you did not have a four-wheel drive you had to stay home.?
The weather service is forecasting warmer temperatures for the weekend.